Interview: Harley Marine Services' Deborah Franco

When he founded Harley Marine Services 25 years ago, Harley Franco had a clear vision. To create a highly safe, environmentally responsible, customer-oriented marine services company. Today, Harley Marine Services has more than 100 vessels, including a diverse fleet of tugs and barges, with offices stretching along all three U.S. coasts. HMS has garnered multiple awards for its environmental initiatives, achieving ISO 9001 Quality Management System and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System.

Helping implement Mr. Franco’s vision for the last seven years has been his sister, Deborah Franco, who is the Vice President of HSQE, HR, and Administration for Harley Marine Services. She has been responsible for implementing ISO 9001 and 14001, ISM Code, Safety and Environmental Quality systems throughout all of the Harley Marine companies, as well as overseeing AWO Responsible Carrier Program and Occupational Health. She ensures company safety and environmental policies and procedures are developed and maintained in accordance with all applicable state and federal codes, standards, regulations and company procedures.

We talked with Deborah recently to gain some insight on some steps and strategies that Harley Marine has taken to implement its “green” vision, how its impacted their bottom line and what the company sees for the future.